Odisha's Bold Initiative: Reviving Forgotten Foods and Crops

The Odisha government has signed an agreement with WASSAN to revive neglected crops and forgotten foods with a Rs 247.024 crore project. Spanning five years, the initiative will focus on promoting traditional crops, conserving biodiversity, and benefiting local farmers in 25 biodiversity-rich blocks across 15 districts.

The Odisha government has embarked on an ambitious project to breathe new life into traditional crops and neglected foods. Partnering with the non-profit organization Watershed Support Service and Activities Network (WASSAN), the state has allocated Rs 247.024 crore to this initiative. The program, aiming for completion by 2029-30, seeks to preserve 25 biodiversity-rich blocks across 15 districts.

The primary goal is to conserve and promote crops that are vanishing from the agricultural scene. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo emphasized the cultural importance of food, stating, "Food keeps the tradition alive, its protection is the protection of our tradition." Efforts involve documentation, conservation, and commercialization to ultimately benefit local farmers.

Key government figures, including Commissioner-Cum-Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, witnessed the signing of this momentous agreement. The initiative is in alignment with Odisha's sustainable agriculture plans, aiming to revive forgotten seeds, establish resource centers, and profile traditional foods for nutritional value.

(With inputs from agencies.)